Advancing winter swathgrazing through virtual fencing and remote sensing

Forage blends also known as cocktails or polycrops are gaining popularity among beef producers and are being incorporated into grazing systems. Winter swathgrazing is a strategy that allows beef producers to extend cattle grazing activities into the fall and winter months, which provide some economic and environmental benefits that enhance farm sustainability. Adequate feed supplies during the winter increase the competitiveness of the cow-calf and stocker operations. Currently, the majority of winter swathgrazing has traditionally been applied to older cows that are in good body condition while the use of monoculture cereals is dominant. Evaluating whether the forage blend system can support growing steers will provide more options for producers. Unfortunately, performance information on young, weaned cattle grazing polycrops or forage blends in sparse. In addition, the labour involved in managing and moving fences deters entrants hoping to adopt swathgrazing as a feeding option. This study will provide additional empirical information on the performance of young steers swathgrazing forage blends during the winter.

Faculty Supervisor:

Obioha Durunna

Student:

Partner:

River View Ranch

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Lakeland College

Program: